Sprint Corp. and Audiovox Corp. released the Sprint PCS Vision Picture Phone PM-8920, the United States’ first megapixel camera phone.
The phone features Sprint Picture Mail service, which allows users to capture, send, receive and print high-resolution photos. The built-in camera, which features a camera resolution of 1.3 megapixels, includes a built-in flash, a self-timer and up to eight-times digital zoom capability. Users can customize the camera with four different shutter sound options or by recording their own shutter sound. It also offers 40 different frames for pictures, including holiday themes. A 10-second voice clip can be included with any Picture Mail sent.
The device is available nationwide for $300, though it can be purchased for $150 after rebates.
Sprint said that from August 2002, when the carrier introduced its first built-in camera phone, through March 2004, 100 million pictures and videos were shared over the Sprint network.
“Sprint has seen tremendous success with its Picture Mail product and the ability for customers to share life’s moments either phone-to-phone or phone-to computer,” said John Garcia, senior vice president of sales and distribution for Sprint.
“The PM-8920 takes wireless pictures to the next level by delivering high-quality pictures that are ideal for printing as well as sharing.”
In addition to the camera, the dual-band/tri-mode phone itself features large size and full color for both its interior and exterior screens. It has text messaging, customizable photo caller ID, speakerphone, personal tools and planner, an enhanced call log, and English and Spanish support. The phone also includes airplane mode, through which the phone can be powered-down so games and applications can be used while the phone is not transmitting.
Motorola Inc. has previously said it plans to release a megapixel camera phone this summer. The V710 features a 1.2-megapixel camera, video capture and playback, an MP3 player and 10 megabytes of internal memory. Motorola has declined to name a carrier to sell the phone, although Verizon Wireless in the past has said it is testing the device.
